About ManeStage Theatre Company

ManeStage Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation funded by ticket sales and the support of volunteers and community contributors. We debuted our first production, The Wizard of Oz, in February of 2008. Our production of The Secret Garden in October 2019 will mark our 75th production! ManeStage Theatre Company was founded by Jay and Brenda Henson who have over 50 years of combined theatre experience. They received their education and worked professionally in the theatre industry in the Los Angeles area before moving to Washington State. Combining their extensive experience and education, they have brought together a group of very talented and dedicated volunteers to create a theatre company to serve the eastern Pierce County area with professional, family oriented* entertainment.

ManeStage places a high priority on being a safe haven for artists of all ages and values each individual and treats them with equal respect. Because of this, ManeStage has become an ever growing family of volunteers that take pride in serving the community through the arts and offering a place where individuals can experience all aspects of live theatre, both on stage and behind the scenes in a supportive and encouraging environment. We work with hundreds of volunteers each season to produce five musicals and one play, and offer high-quality youth education programs as well as a summer camp program each year.

* Our productions are family oriented, however, we are not a children's theatre. All of our productions are rated PG as we feel it is up to the parents to decide what is appropriate for their family as it may differ from family to family. We recommend that concerned parents spend time researching a show in order to decide if the content is appropriate for their individual family guidelines and/or for the age of their children. As a courtesy to our audiences and performers, we have a policy of no children under 4 or babes in arms. When children are old enough to join the audience, we encourage parents to instruct them in proper theatre behavior.

Production Staff

Brenda S. Henson

President / Executive Director

Brenda is honored to serve as the President and Executive Director for ManeStage Theatre Company. She moved to Washington from the Los Angeles area in 2006 and has been constantly involved in the performing arts for over 30 years as an artistic director, performer, production director, choreographer and instructor. Brenda was pleased to study under many incredible teachers and professors in Southern California and is delighted to share her passion and education with this community. Brenda has had the privilege of serving as a director and choreographer for over 350 productions over the past 20 years.

Jay Henson

Vice President / Technical Director

Jay has worked in theatre for over 20 years. Earning his degree in theatre from CSUSB, Jay went on to work throughout Southern California as an actor, director, acting coach, set designer, lighting and sound designer. Jay finds just as much pleasure on stage as he does behind the scenes. He truly has a passion for teaching acting and set construction.

Jay curently works for the Sumner School District and volunteers for ManeStage Theatre.

If you are interested in volunteering on crew or helping with set construction, please email Jay at: jay@manestagetheatre.com

Scott Pickard

Business Manager / Chief Financial Officer

Scott joined ManeStage Theatre Company at the outset with responsibility for cash management, budgeting, fiscal reporting and business management for the organization. Scott has over 35 years of experience in business management and has held key fiscal positions within several organizations both in the private and public sectors. Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, Scott works diligently to ensure that all aspects of business operations are executed efficiently, with integrity and accuracy. With his guidance, ManeStage has steadily grown its operating budget from $52 thousand in the first year to over $290 thousand and has operated “in the black” each year.

Daniel Schreiner

Music Supervisor

Daniel is honored to serve as ManeStage’s Music Supervisor and have the opportunity to work with its amazing family of creative artists. Daniel has served as Music Director and/or Conductor for many shows over the years. Daniel has his undergraduate degree in Choral/Vocal Music Education from Central Washington University. Daniel is the Director of Choirs at Foss High School in Tacoma and volunteers for ManeStage Theatre. As a composer, Daniel was the recipient of the 2011 Opus 7 Undergraduate Composition Award for his piece “Cain,” and many of his pieces have been performed locally and nationally. His music is published with Santa Barbara Music Publishing and is also available on his website: www.danielschreiner.com.

Judy Brooks began volunteering with ManeStage Theatre Company in 2009 during the second season. Judy directs and is involved in all aspects of the costuming process: research, creative design, costume plot development, pattern drafting, construction, and tailoring. Additionally she manages and maintains ManeStage’s extensive costume stock as well as leads a team of local volunteer seamstresses. With her passion for the historical accuracy of costumes, accessories, and hair design, Judy’s vision and expertise is essential to the authenticity of each production.

Evan is so honored to be on the production staff at ManeStage Theatre! Evan has performed in numerous productions with ManeStage, most notably as The Cat in the Hat in Seussical and Caleb Pontipee in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He has also been the Assistant Director for three ManeStage Productions. When not volunteering for ManeStage, Evan works as a Teaching Artist at Village Theatre KIDSTAGE in Issaquah, WA where he teaches a variety of Acting and Musical Theatre classes.